Toronto Treasures: Gaspard

Gaspard is the latest clothing and accessories boutique to hit the Queen Street West strip across from Trinity Bellwoods Park.  The boutique is owned by the designers of Mercy Studio, and many of the stunning pieces housed in this boutique are their own.  The Mercy Studio designs, coupled with quality European designers that have been handpicked for the store, create a boutique atmosphere that feels straight from the Paris lane-ways.

A few other designers to note: Jamin Puech a handbag designer from Paris; Iosselliani Jewellery from Rome; and handmade boots from La Botte Gardiane.

This wonderful boutique is perfect for women looking for well-crafted pieces, made from quality fabrics, who covet the Parisian sense of style.

Visit Gaspard at

913 Queen Street West, Toronto

416.546.7480

BBC - Toronto's Competitive Vintage Scene

Wendy recognized, and featured, as a Toronto shopping expert by the BBC in the video,  "Toronto's Competitive Vintage Scene".

DIY Toronto Holiday Gift Shopping Guide

Love every minute of your holiday shopping this year. (Truly.)

You are far too busy to spend December in the mall, pushing through crowds to line up to buy another sweater from The GAP. Not that there’s anything wrong with The GAP, but you, you want to give gifts that are original, that make the recipients feel special. What you really want to do is delight the adults and teens on your list, as much as the kiddies!

This do-it-yourself, digital shopping guide will make your gift-giving heart flutter if you:

• love the idea of hitting a well-respected professional shopper's favourite, in-the-know, spots for affordable luxuries (without having to do a lick of your own research)
• would prefer to make an experience of your shopping ~ a gorgeous day perusing beautiful, welcoming boutiques with a pause for a leisurely lunch (maybe even champagne?)
• want to support independent, interesting, friendly businesses with wares you and your “giftees” probably haven’t already seen everywhere else
• would love some fresh air and the scent of pine garlands while you shop

The Toronto Holiday Gift Shopping Guide from THE REFINERY will help you: 

• define your list, and the gifts you need to buy ~ with inspiration in four essential categories: host gifts, stylish gifts for her, stylish gifts for him, and stocking stuffers (three boutiques for each category to give you choice but not to overwhelm)
• plan and map your shopping strategy – whether you’re familiar with Toronto or not – so you’ve got plenty of extra time for eggnog and revelry
• find stores with truly exceptional service that you might not have known about, with special gifts – in any price range! – for the (tough to buy for) adults and teens on your list

Save time and have your most pleasurable year of holiday shopping in 2011. 

This Toronto Holiday Gift Shopping Guide and Map is a fully digital, easily downloadable document, lovingly researched by THE REFINERY. ~ $23

To purchase this beautiful document for only $23 click the "Add to Cart" button below, and receive the digital download instantly to your email box.

You're far too stylish, darling, to even think of lifting a word of this copyrighted material,  written in good taste by author Wendy Woods of The REFINERY. (If you're a professional who'd like to use it with your own clients, by all means, be in touch so we can discuss a tailored licensing agreement.)

Toronto Treasures: The Cat's Meow

image source

If you're searching for a one-of-a-kind cocktail dress, The Cat's Meow is a must hit shop.  This vintage boutique is filled with luxurious "couture" finds at a fraction of the price you would pay for the same quality new.  (Think fully hand-beaded dresses, that would take days to complete.)  You will also get peace of mind knowing you will be the only one at a party wearing whatever you have on, and what an amazing relief that is these days!  

The large selection of vintage jewellery, handbags, shoes, and clothes make this boutique a possible one stop shop for an entire evening ensemble... or you could find that one special piece to up your wardrobe's style anti.  

So... if you happen to be in love with the styles of the 50s and 60s, or you're just looking for somethings a little bit different, take a wander into The Cat's Meow - you may just find your perfect little treasure.

Visit The Cat's Meow at

180 Avenue Road, Toronto

647.435.5875

Toronto Treasures: Lilliput Hats

custom hat by Lilliput made for Wendy

So many women think that hats don’t look good on them.  Is this because the only hats they’ve tried on are baseball caps and toques?  Hats are just so much more than that, which you can easily see after one trip to College and Bathurst, to frolic in the hat world of Lilliput Hats!  

Lilliput Hats is an environment where playing, and trying new things, is encouraged.  The women who work at the boutique are there help those who want their help, and let those who want to browse do just that.  Lilliput has so many hat styles to choose from, you are guaranteed to find something that suits your face shape, and size!  The best part is, any of the in-house styles can be custom-made to your colour choice, and fit perfectly to your head – at no extra charge.  

Visit Lilliput Hats at
462 College Street Toronto
416.563.5933

Discover other hidden shopping treasures in Toronto on a boutique shopping tour with THE REFINERY!

 

Toronto Treasures: Sash & Bustle

image from sashandbustle.com

 

Sash & Bustle is a breath of fresh air when you're searching for any wedding related apparel - be that your own wedding dress, bridesmaids' dresses, or wedding accessories.  The airy boutique is bright, fresh, and filled with a stunning, edited, collection dresses that you can view for yourself - touch, feel, and try on.  Everything about Sash & Bustle is welcoming, and unassuming.  No pressure here, which is such an awesome alternative to some of the other stuffy wedding boutiques we've become accustomed to.

Although Sash & Bustle has a few classic gowns, they really excel at dreamy bohemian style gowns, and edgy short dresses perfect for the modern bride.  For any bride who's dream dress has something a little different, THE REFINERY highly recommends you make Sash & Bustle your first stop!

Visit Sash & Bustle at 

 233 Carlaw Avenue, Unit 2
416.414.3617
appointments are necessary and can be booked by emailing hello@sashandbustle.com 

P.S. The dress samples are in a size 10, rather than a 6 - even sweeter!

Discover other hidden Toronto shopping treasures on a boutique shopping tour with THE REFINERY!

Toronto Treasures: Green Zebra Kitchen

image from www.greenzebrakitchen.com

 

Green Zebra has been delivering healthy meals to THE REFINERY home office for the past month, which has been the most amazing time saver.  Convenience, in an extremely busy time of year, is the reason we started the delivery program, but we're continuing our weekly order because all the meals are...

1. Made with whole foods.

2. Vegan.

3. Gluten-free.

4. Ingredients sourced locally whenever possible.

5. We have more energy.

... And most of all, everything tastes great!  It also feels amazing to have a healthy food option that's ready in less than 5 minutes. 

The menus change weekly for awesome diversity, and a little excitement to see what's coming up next!

We highly recommend this awesome find - a true Toronto Treasure!

Discover hidden Toronto shopping treasures on a boutique shopping tour with THE REFINERY.

Toronto Treasures: Heel Boy

from Heel Boy facebook page

Heel Boy is a well known shoe shopping treasure cove in Toronto.  This store is always buzzing with women, and men, looking for an interesting and affordable pair of shoes. 

Heel Boy excels at having something for everyone!  They carry everything from well-known recognizable brand names like Steve Madden to more unique brands like Vince Camuto... and the range of styles span from a selection of classic black pumps to playfully coloured shoes, from 6 inch stilettos to TOMS canvas shoes.  In the summer Heel Boy is the place to go for a great pair of affordable sandals, while in the winter their boot collection is out of this world.  

There are so many goodies to be had at Heel Boy, it's hard to leave the store with just one pair! 

Visit Heel Boy at 

773 Queen Street West Toronto  

416.362.4335 

 

Receive 10% off at Heel Boy when you shop with THE REFINERY. 

 

Discover other hidden shopping treasures in Toronto on a boutique shopping tour with THE REFINERY.

Toronto Treasures: Ziliotto

From delicious fabrics, to impeccable construction, to a Made in Canada label, Ziliotto clothes are made to be worn.

Jennifer Durand, the boutique owner and designer, makes clothing with the multi-tasking woman in mind.  The pieces are easy to match together, look effortless, and are extremely versatile.  They are the perfect example of wash and wear clothing that is casually chic... fashionable, but not over done.  

Jennifer truly understands a woman, and her "joie de vivre", and designs clothes that lets that shine through.  Her pieces consistently bring out the best in THE REFINERY clients, which keeps them going back for more!  

Visit Ziliotto at 

764 Queen Street West Toronto 

416.867.1632

Receive 10% off at Ziliotto when you shop with THE REFINERY.

Discover other hidden shopping treasures in Toronto on a boutique shopping tour with THE REFINERY.

Toronto Treasures: Coco's Closet

Coco's Closet, a beautiful new consignment boutique, opened up this summer at Jane and Annette. True to it's name, this boutique is a small, aka manageable, space filled with elegant pieces for stylish women! 

 

Store owner Nadia is always in the shop greeting you with a friendly smile, and is eager to help. She wants you to find a treasure that will light up your eyes, and brighten your wardrobe.  

 

Brands in store 'au moment' range from Prada, to Marc Jacobs, to BCBG, to the odd tailored Banana Republic piece. 

 

If you're looking for a place to sell your wares, Nadia also offers a rare pickup service where she'll come to your house to collect your pieces. 

 

Coco's Closet is the perfect place buy, and sell, your consignment treasures! 

 

You can visit Coco's Closet at 413 Jane Street - 647.981.6870 

 

Join THE REFINERY on a boutique shopping tour to discover Toronto’s very best boutiques!

Toronto Treasures: Melmira

Now that the heat is here, you might be thinking about a new swimsuit for cottage days on the dock, lounging by the pool, or sunning in the sand. 

 

Not that you need the added pressure, but wearing a swimsuit is really like wearing lingerie for the whole world to see -- so you better feel fantastic in your suit! 

 

Melmira is the best choice for swimsuit shopping. They have perfected the art of styling their clients with suits that work for their personality, body shape, and lifestyle. 

 

Melmira stocks suits from multiple brands from around the world including Shan from Canada, Jets from Australia, and Vix from Brazil in a range of sizes from 0 to 26 (varies by brand). They also offer specialty suits for different needs like maternity or athletic suits. 

 

Book your one-on-one appointment with a swimsuit specialist and leave the rest up to her. Your specialist will pull styles that are perfect for your body shape, in a colour you love. Plus, you can try on the suits in the comfort of your own private dressing room with refreshments available. 

 

The Melmira experience is relaxing, enjoyable, and productive – they really take the stress out of shopping for a suit.

 

Visit Melmira at 3319 Yonge Street Toronto - 416.485.0576

 

Join THE REFINERY on a boutique shopping tour to discover Toronto’s very best boutiques!

Toronto Treasures: Distill

Distill is a wonderful east-end boutique filled with Canadian designs. From clothing and accessories to pottery and pillows, this boutique is perfect for perusing. 

If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly accessory option, I highly recommend checking out the Erin Templeton sandals and bags made mostly from recycled leather. They all have interesting design elements and are made with a keen eye for detail.

For a quirkier piece of accessory art, I suggest both the stacking cuff and scribble necklaces by Alison Dawson. A Toronto native, her pieces are creative works of art and each a wonderfully lightweight summer accessory.

If a new summer frock is still on your list, check out the navy and white striped Lucie dress by Dace. This simple dress is the perfect outfit to throw on for hot summer days.

Add the stackable cuff to the dress, a bag and sandals and you’ve got a perfect outfit for city streets or the cottage beach! 

Visit Distill at 55 Mill Street #47 Toronto - 416.304.0033 

Join THE REFINERY on a boutique shopping tour to discover Toronto’s very best boutiques!

Toronto Treasures: Do My Hair

Do My Hair brings New York style luxury to Toronto with their blow dry and makeup bar - a salon with convenience at the top of their minds.  The environment is relaxing and comfortable, like a home away from home with stylists who know what they're doing, and have a knack for welcoming you into the space.

Whether you're looking for a daily blow out, or styling for a special occasion, this boutique salon focuses on making your already cut and dyed hair look stunning!  Choose from styles like The Jennifer 'Straight-up' or The Fabulous Farah, or Me but Better - your choice of style, executed by the pros.

Finish your whole look while you're there with an expert makeup application appropriate for whatever events you have on that day.

The Do My Hair Motto:
Gorgeous Blow Out. DONE
Fabulous Fresh Face. DONE. 

Appointments are optional so pop in when it works in your schedule.

Treat yourself like a star, and leave this salon looking like one.

Do My Hair is located at 583 Mount Pleasant Road - 416.544.0505

Toronto Treasures: Tealish

Tealish is one of the best tea spots in Toronto! Located in the heart of a fantastic shopping district, Tealish is the perfect place to get a soothing tea before, during, or after your spree.

With a tea selection usually at 150 different types, there is so much to choose from, but Tealish has made it easier. They have all their teas categorized by colour - green label = green teas; brown label = black teas; blue label = herbal teas; pink label = rooibos teas; yellow label = other teas like oolong, etc. Be sure to ask the staff to smell any of the teas that intrigue you.  

THE REFINERY favourite is an herbal tea called toasted almond. Try it as a regular tea or a tea latte - both are delicious!  

Receive 50% off a beverage at Tealish when you're on a boutique shopping tour with THE REFINERY!